Strawberry season is here!

By MoreFood

The end of spring and beginning of summer is always my favorite time to buy fresh produce! Strawberry season is in full swing in North Carolina. You can find fresh strawberries in NC from April to mid-June. When produce is in season, that means you can often buy it for less than in the off-season.

There are several different types of strawberries that grow at various times of the year in NC. The Camarosa and Chandler strawberries are the most common in our state. You can buy these strawberries from a local “You-Pick” farm, a farmer’s market, or from the grocery store. A “You-Pick” farm is a great option for taking the whole family out to learn about where our food comes from and how to pick strawberries. Some farms even offer tours to learn more about how they run their farm!

Did you know that with your SNAP/FNS benefits, you can buy your own seeds and plants that produce food? If strawberries are one of your favorite fruits, buy some seeds and plant in your garden and watch them grow! Your garden could be in a raised garden bed, a pot on your porch, or pots in your window sill.

If you are growing strawberries on your own, check out NC State’s Cooperate Extension website to learn more about the different types of strawberries, weather that may affect your strawberries, and how to protect your food from pests.

Below is a recipe for using strawberries with a breakfast meal. A tasty treat made with fruit!

Strawberry Banana Pancakes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 large banana peeled
  • 1 cup dry pancake mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions:

  1. Place bananas in a medium bowl and mash with a fork.
  2. Add pancake mix and water; stir until blended.
  3. Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
  4. Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake into hot skillet. Cook pancakes for about 2 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  5. To make the topping, spray a pan with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
  6. Cook berries and orange juice for 3 minutes or until the berries are soft.
  7. Spoon topping over pancakes and serve.

Recipe Source: https://cachampionsforchange.cdph.ca.gov/en/recipes/Pages/Banana-Berry-Pancakes.aspx